Elaha! Elaha!: Malaysian Hybrid Ghazals

Elaha! Elaha! Malaysian Hybrid Ghazals invites readers into the rich tapestry of 100 hybrid ghazals composed by the author between 2018 and 2021. As a Malaysian Malayalee woman, the author weaves a uniquely Malaysian narrative by infusing the traditional ghazal form with multiple languages, Christian imagery, and quintessentially Malaysian themes. The collection delves into personal experiences, exploring themes of lost love, time, and space. From melancholic reflections on a bygone era to joyful recollections of childhood, the ghazals encapsulate a spectrum of emotions and experiences. The author’s hope is to inspire interest and academic inquiry into this ancient form, fostering a revival and encouraging more poets, especially from Malaysia, to explore and contribute to the art of ghazals. In sharing these verses, the author aims to create a distinct voice for Malaysian Indian women of Malayalee descent, paving the way for future endeavors in this beautiful and culturally resonant poetic form.